Hi,
Was wondering whether anyone could advise on when and how to maintain the rooftop on my 2008 KK 4.2 convertible. Have had the car for 6 month and with heavy rain here in Texas see last days I have notices that the caramel color now turns real deep brown under the rain - looks like the water is soaked in.

- Is this normal for a canvas rooftop or should the water effectively "pearl" off the roof like it would do on a duck's tail?
- if abnormal, any recommendation of a good / safe cleaners and coating brand to use?

Thanks in advance
Nic

 

Nic:

Water is penetrating the canvas convertible top.

1) Wash the top (scrub) with Dawn dish detergent....don't use to much just a few drops of dawn in a pot of water.

2) Rinse Throughly

3) Let dry throughly

4) Buy a spray bottle of 303 Fabric Guard from Amazon.....



5) Apply the 303 Fabric Guard with paint brush rather than spraying. (You don't want to get any spray on the paint surface or windows, thus the reason to use the paint brush to apply. Apply full strength.) Make sure that the 303 Fabric Guard gets into the texture of the canvas

6) Let the 303 Fabric Guard dry throughly before getting wet. (It foam up a little when applying with paint brush, but will dry clear).

Water will not penetrate the canvas convertible top. Water will bead up and run off.

Repeat the process 6 months later.

Simple DIY and greats work. I use this exclusively on my 2009 Jaguar XKR Portfolio Edition Convertible. The top looks like new after the 303 process.

Follow these instructions and you won't be sorry.

 

Raggtop is a highly recommended product to help protect the top. You'll be amazed at how well it works and is an easy application. Just wedge a towel around the windows and tape a towel or cardboard to the windshield to ease with cleaning any over spray. Apply in the hot sun is best...

 

Thanks Richzak and Mosesbotbol,
Very helpful. From what you wrote, looks like this is quite overdue - maybe the previous owner just did not do it in the time he had the car.
Had seen 303 and Raggtop products on the web but always a little careful - so good to get a thumbs up from others
I like the paintbrush tip - come to think of it, maybe even a small paint roll could do the job and ensure smooth and even layering. Will give it a try and keep you posted.

 

Nic:

A 2" or 3" paint brush would be suggested, rather than a roller. With the paint brush, you get to work the 303 Fabric Guard into the texture of the canvas.

Be sure to buy a quality brush. A "chip" brush loses it's bristles on the top.

Takes about 1 hour to complete the job once the top is washed/cleaned and dry.

 

I'll 2nd the 303 fabric guard. I do mine once a year during the summer when I do one of those 'super detail' days. Holds up pretty well all year round, and my convertible top gets wet during the winter!

 

There's a good thread on this over in the XK8/XKR forum too FYI- worth a read probably.

I personally use Raggtopp on both my Jags with canvas tops, and have had very good luck with it.

 

DITTO the 303, works great, can spray it on the top portions of the roof away from the windows and metal, saves you time, coat it well. Highly recommend 303, also use 303 vinyl/leather protector for uv protection on dash and all leather after conditioned with good leather conditioner( I prefer gliptone liquid leather from england).

 

Ok have ordered the 303 through Amazon, also the 303 cleaner. Will give it a try as soon as the weather clears up. Thanks all for your good advice

 

Nic:

Let us know your thoughts on how the top turns out using the 303 and my method.

 

Thanks Richzak
I have been a fan/user of Raggtop, starting with my 911 and now the XK, but really like the idea of being able to use a brush. I can see that working really well between the rear window and boot. So, will order and use 303 this spring.

One note, you might check AutoGeek to compare price vs. Amazon.

 

I have a 2011 xk port and when I purchased it from the dealer I asked about the top and they told do not touch it, just keep it washed. I went to my local dealer here in Fl for a service issue and had the vehicle detailed and when I asked about the top they said just keep it washed do not do anything to it. Maybe because its a 2011 and green I don,t know but it does stay in a garage here in Fl. and water does bead off. Time will tell.

 

Thanks Richzak
I have been a fan/user of Raggtop, starting with my 911 and now the XK, but really like the idea of being able to use a brush. I can see that working really well between the rear window and boot. So, will order and use 303 this spring.

One note, you might check AutoGeek to compare price vs. Amazon.[/B]

Old_Dawg:

I have Amazon Prime, so I use them allot. Some prices may be sliightly higher than autogeek some detailing supplies are lower. I get free shipping and delivery in 2 days.
__________________

I have a 2011 xk port and when I purchased it from the dealer I asked about the top and they told do not touch it, just keep it washed. I went to my local dealer here in Fl for a service issue and had the vehicle detailed and when I asked about the top they said just keep it washed do not do anything to it. Maybe because its a 2011 and green I don,t know but it does stay in a garage here in Fl. and water does bead off. Time will tell.


Beh2010:

Even though the XK is garaged, I still highly recommend the 303 Fabric Guard. It prevents dust from getting embedded into the convertible top texture and when applying and drying, the top has a new appearance to it. Over a period of time the sun fades the original color. Since the fading is gradual over time, it is sometimes very hard for the owner to visualize. Once the top is conditioned with the 303 Fabric Guard you will be certain to notice the change.

 

Richzak, I understand your thoughts on this but my point is why would the dealer who sold the vehicle and another one (who is 250 miles away) and the last is who I had detail the vehicle and they could of said we need to do the hood and charge me,but did not, both say do not touch the hood except with mild soap and water. It comes to who does one believe. I always tend to go with the dealer(s).

 

Just to put in my 2 cents.. I've been misled and overcharged by dealers too many times to trust them much. When it comes to detailing, they're usually not the experts in that area. I had one try and dry my car with a dirty terry cloth towel before. If you want another opinion, perhaps take the car to a professional detailing shop and see what they say.

I've perosoally noticed a dramatic difference in my cars once using Raggtopp (similar to 303). The water beads as it should, and dust from sitting in the garage is removed much easier. again just my 2 cents

 

I think this is one of those topics like what's the best oil or tire or polish or any of the other 3rd rail auto issues. Maybe I'm looking at it a little differently but when I wash my 2012 the water still beads off of the top. When this stops happening I will then go to one of the top conditioner products like 303 or ragtop. So I'm looking at it as though the new material finish will eventually wear and I'll look to treat it. Also being in the northeast and when the top down season begins the only time my top will be up is when it's in the garage at night. We'll see how it goes . My 2 cents here

 

beh2010:

You certainly have your choice of what to do and whom to believe and listen too.

The forum members here are not made up of Jaguar dealers. We are all individual owners who respond to other members questions and we ty to provide answers based on our experience owning the Jaguar brand and our history of owning automobiles.

From your post, it may be better for an individual like yourself to consult with your local Jaguar experts rather than asking questions here, as I assume you do not believe what other forum Jaguar owners have to say or the input that they provide. That can be good or bad.

As for myself, I have learned a tremendous amount about the Jaguar brand from other forum members who make posts on this public forum. I take the advice when I feel it is neccessary and appropriate. Many members have helped me with questions and have provided lots ideas to help with my ownership of my Jaguar XKR. Their input and knowledge is greatly appreciated.

This forum is one of the best as we are all highly dedicated to the Jaguar brand and are all automobile enthusiasts.

The best to you in working with your Jaguar dealership in the future.

 

I used the Ragtop spray on a schedule. Maybe 2-3 times a year. The whole process takes like 15 minutes. Not a big deal...

 

Richzak, you need to lighten up. I like this forum that is why I am on here. I do respect input from everyone! I did not disagree with what you said I was just putting in my 2 cents on the subject matter. I do not need a lecture about this forum. We all love the Jaguar brand thats why we are here and contribute and learn from others and the detail I had the dealer do was done by a detail shop that the dealer uses. Lets move on.

 

Since we had warm weather over the weekend, I got my baby out and washed it Saturday, and put it away to dry. On Sunday I got it out to try the 303 (got the car in Nov, so I'd never done it before, and based on how much the top color changed when washing it, I doubt it was done previously).
I tried spraying the 303, but even in the center of the roof I was getting overspray onto the windows and paint, so I returned to richzak's method.

At first, I was worried as my top turned color as I applied the 303, going from tan to a dark oiled canvas. Was it going to stay this way? But 'in for a penny, in for a pound' I proceeded (too late to turn back now). After coating the top (almost a whole bottle, just a few drops left), I put the car away in the garage.
I didn't dare look for two days, thinking my top might stay dark. But when I checked this morning, it had returned to its tan color, and all is well with the world.

Now my baby is ready for warm weather to return again!

Thanks richzak!